Motheo rehabilitates Blockhouse 1-Stop access ramps on R59

The Motheo Construction Group has completed a project to rehabilitate the access ramps to the Blockhouse 1-Stop (North and South) for Engen Petroleum on the R59, close to Henley-on-Klip. The fast-track project commenced on 5 September 2016, and was completed successfully by end January 2017.

Following site establishment, the project comprised clearing, grubbing, and roadbed preparation, cut-to-spoil and cut-to-fill earthworks, construction of a stabilised sub-base layer, recycling the existing base course, and asphalt surfacing. In addition, Motheo supplied and installed kerbing and a drainage system.

“The earthworks consisted mainly of recycling the existing base course on the access ramps, as well as selected internal asphalted areas,” explains Archie Rutherford, Infrastructure MD at Motheo. “The scope of work included replacing the asphalt surfacing, road marking, minor drainage detail, and extending a parking lot area in concrete-block paving.”

A major emphasis was placed on accommodating the high traffic volumes on this busy highway. Another challenge was that the ramp construction was programmed initially to be executed in full widths, necessitating the construction of temporary deviations to allow motorists and commuters access to the Blockhouse 1-Stop at all times. 

However, due to the constrained nature of the site, there was insufficient space available to construct these temporary deviations to allow unrestricted access for patrons. It also posed a safety risk on-site, as motorists were not adhering to the speed limits upon entering the off-ramps. It was then proposed that the ramps be constructed in half widths. Although this method would result in a longer construction period due to the loss in production rates, it would ensure the safety of patrons.

Rutherford comments that Motheo’s “vast experience and knowledge in the roads and earthworks field rendered us the preferred contractor to execute this project. We delivered a high-quality end product, within the specified time and budget, despite the challenges faced.”

More information at www.motheogroup.co.za